Warriors star WR Harris enters transfer portal
by Stephen Tsai · Star-AdvertiserJamm Aquino / jaquino@staradvertiser.com / Nov. 29
Hawaii wide receiver Jackson Harris broke away for a touchdown against Wyoming at the Ching Complex on Nov. 29.
The University of Hawaii football team’s top receiver has left the Rainbow Warriors and intends to enter next month’s transfer portal, head coach Timmy Chang confirmed after today’s 90-minute practice at the Ching Complex.
Chang said Harris, who transferred from Stanford in January, will not participate in the Dec. 24 Sheraton Hawaii Bowl.
“We wish him the best of luck, and we thank him for playing here,” Chang said. “That’s just how it goes.”
Harris was slowed in training camp and the first five games because of hamstring issues. But in the final seven regular-season games, Harris caught 39 passes for 865 yards and 11 touchdowns. After averaging 9.7 yards on 10 catches in the first five weeks — he did not play against Portland State — Harris averaged 22.2 yards per catch in the final seven games. He had four touchdowns of 70-plus yards. Last week, he was named to the All-Mountain West first team. He received consideration as the league’s top offensive player.
After securing three scoring passes against San Jose State on Nov. 1, Harris drew increased interest from people indirectly affiliated with other programs. Unlike the NFL, where agents are regulated and limited to 3% commissions on contracts, a student-athlete may be represented by an agent, adviser, relative, friend or parent. If Harris were to enter the portal, essentially becoming a free agent, his market value would be in the high six figures.
The NCAA transfer portal for football players is Jan. 2 through Jan. 16. The abbreviated transfer window leaves little negotiating room for a player seeking to enroll at new school in time for the spring semester. For UH, for instance, the first day of the 2026 spring semester is Jan. 12, with Jan. 20 the last day to add classes.
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Harris just completed his sophomore season and will have two years left of eligibility.
Chang said it was “Jackson’s decision” to leave the team and not participate in practices ahead of the Hawaii Bowl.
“I knew this day was coming,” Chang said of Harris’ departure. “Jackson made the decision for him and his family, and we have to honor that.”
Slotback Nick Cenacle has been wearing Harris’ No. 9 jersey in practices.
Chang was critical of a system that cannot legislate against poaching by third parties or back-alley discussions.
“In my opinion, this is the worst I’ve seen in college football because of how turbulent things are and how decisions are being made,” Chang said.
But Chang said school leaders, coaches and student-athletes cannot be faulted for “making decisions to better their situations. That’s what we’re living in right now.”
See more:UH football
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